U.S. patent number 9,340,346 [Application Number 14/086,005] was granted by the patent office on 2016-05-17 for precision dispensing device of small volume from pre-filled syringes.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SmartHealth, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Bryan Richard Falk, Curtis P. Hamann, Karl-Michael Klenk. Invention is credited to Bryan Richard Falk, Curtis P. Hamann, Karl-Michael Klenk.
United States Patent |
9,340,346 |
Hamann , et al. |
May 17, 2016 |
Precision dispensing device of small volume from pre-filled
syringes
Abstract
A dispenser for dispensing a predetermined amount of material
from a prefilled syringe. The dispenser includes a dispenser body
and a plunger. The dispenser body includes a syringe mounting
region and a nozzle portion through which the material is
dispensed. The nozzle portion has a syringe dispensing end
receiving cavity configured to mate with the dispensing end of the
syringe and an outlet. A fluid flow path fluidly communicates the
syringe dispensing end receiving cavity with the outlet and
includes a measuring cavity having a predetermined volume. The
plunger is carried by the dispenser body. The plunger has a
retracted state in which the plunger is retracted from the
measuring cavity such that the outlet is in fluid communication
with the syringe dispensing end receiving cavity. The plunger has a
depressed state in which the plunger extends through the measuring
cavity to evacuate material from the measuring cavity.
Inventors: |
Hamann; Curtis P. (Paradise
Valley, AZ), Klenk; Karl-Michael (Mesa, AZ), Falk; Bryan
Richard (Chandler, AZ) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hamann; Curtis P.
Klenk; Karl-Michael
Falk; Bryan Richard |
Paradise Valley
Mesa
Chandler |
AZ
AZ
AZ |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SmartHealth, Inc. (Phoenix,
AZ)
|
Family
ID: |
52020929 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/086,005 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150136809 A1 |
May 21, 2015 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
83/0033 (20130101); A61M 5/31531 (20130101); A61M
5/204 (20130101); A61M 5/31593 (20130101); A61M
2005/3142 (20130101); A61M 5/28 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61M
5/20 (20060101); A61M 5/315 (20060101); B65D
83/00 (20060101); A61M 5/31 (20060101); A61M
5/28 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;222/252,256,260,275,278,322,325-327,386 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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102013203782 |
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Sep 2013 |
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DE |
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0188032 |
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Jul 1986 |
|
EP |
|
0248760 |
|
Dec 1987 |
|
EP |
|
WO 01/89613 |
|
Nov 2001 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
US. Appl. No. 27/473,336, filed Nov. 21, 2013, Hamann et al. cited
by applicant .
U.S. Appl. No. 29/415,884, filed Mar. 15, 2012, Klenk et al. cited
by applicant .
Products. Datasheet [Online]. Diagenics LTD, [retrieved on Apr. 16,
2012]. Retrieved from the Internet: < URL:
http://www.findtheneedle.co.uk/companies/diagenics-Itd. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Buechner; Patrick M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dispenser for use with and dispensing a predetermined volume
of material from a prefilled syringe, the syringe having a syringe
body for storing the material and a syringe plunger mounted within
the syringe body for pressing the material out of the syringe body
through a dispensing end of the syringe, the dispenser comprising:
a dispenser body including: a syringe mounting region configured
for receiving the syringe; a nozzle portion having a syringe
dispensing end receiving cavity configured to mate with the
dispensing end of the syringe and an outlet, the nozzle portion
defining a fluid flow path fluidly communicating the syringe
dispensing end receiving cavity with the outlet, the outlet fluidly
communicating the fluid flow path with the environment external to
the nozzle portion, the fluid flow path including a measuring
cavity having a predetermined volume; and a dispenser plunger
carried by the dispenser body having a retracted state in which the
dispenser plunger is retracted from the measuring cavity such that
the outlet is in fluid communication with the syringe dispensing
end receiving cavity and a depressed state in which the dispenser
plunger extends through the measuring cavity, the dispenser plunger
evacuating material within the measuring cavity as the dispenser
plunger transitions from the retracted state to the depressed
state; and wherein the dispenser plunger includes a tip portion
that extends through the measuring cavity and out of the outlet in
the depressed state.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser plunger includes
a head portion that extends axially outward beyond a distal end of
the dispenser body and is positioned adjacent the syringe plunger
when a syringe is mounted within the syringe mounting region.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the syringe dispensing end
receiving cavity is configured to mate with the dispensing end of
the syringe body to form a seal therebetween and prevent fluid
bypass therebetween, when a syringe is mounted to the dispenser
body.
4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser body includes a
mounting arrangement configured to engage a cooperating mounting
arrangement of a syringe when a syringe is mounted within the
syringe mounting region.
5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the mounting arrangement of
the dispenser body is a recessed groove that receives a cooperating
outward extending flange portion of the syringe body.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the syringe dispensing end
receiving cavity and the measuring cavity are laterally offset from
one another and the fluid flow path includes a laterally extending
connection portion fluidly connecting the measuring cavity with the
syringe dispensing end receiving cavity.
7. The dispenser of claim The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the
nozzle portion includes a plunger cavity that is laterally offset
from the syringe dispensing end receiving cavity, the plunger
cavity in fluid communication with the fluid flow path, the plunger
cavity axially aligned with the measuring cavity, the tip portion
of the dispenser plunger being positioned within the plunger cavity
in the retracted state.
8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plunger includes a tip
portion having an outer peripheral shape and the measuring cavity
has an inner peripheral shape that corresponds to the outer
peripheral shape of the tip portion.
9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the outer peripheral shape of
the tip portion is cylindrical with a first diameter and the inner
peripheral shape of the measuring cavity is cylindrical with a
second diameter, the first and second diameters being substantially
identical.
10. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the nozzle portion includes a
plunger cavity in fluid communication with the fluid flow path, the
plunger cavity axially aligned with the measuring cavity, the tip
portion of the dispenser plunger being positioned within the
plunger cavity in the retracted state.
11. A system for dispensing a predetermined volume of material from
a prefilled syringe, the system comprising: a prefilled syringe
including: a syringe body for storing the material; and a syringe
plunger mounted within the syringe body for pressing the material
out of the syringe body through a dispensing end of the syringe; a
dispenser comprising: a dispenser body including: a syringe
mounting region configured for receiving the syringe; a nozzle
portion having a syringe dispensing end receiving cavity configured
to mate with the dispensing end of the syringe and an outlet, the
nozzle portion defining a fluid flow path fluidly communicating the
syringe dispensing end receiving cavity with the outlet, the outlet
fluidly communicating the fluid flow path with the environment
external to the nozzle portion, the fluid flow path including a
measuring cavity having a predetermined volume; and a dispenser
plunger carried by the dispenser body having a retracted state in
which the dispenser plunger is retracted from the measuring cavity
such that the outlet is in fluid communication with the syringe
dispensing end receiving cavity and a depressed state in which the
dispenser plunger extends through the measuring cavity, the
dispenser plunger evacuating material within the measuring cavity
as the dispenser plunger transitions from the retracted state to
the depressed state; and wherein the dispenser plunger includes a
tip portion that extends through the measuring cavity and out of
the outlet in the depressed state.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the syringe dispensing end
receiving cavity is configured to mate with the dispensing end of
the syringe body to form a seal therebetween and prevent fluid
bypass therebetween.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the dispenser body includes a
mounting arrangement configured to engage a cooperating mounting
arrangement of the syringe when the syringe is mounted within the
syringe mounting region to inhibit removal of the syringe from the
syringe mounting region.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the mounting arrangement of the
dispenser body is a recessed groove and the mounting arrangement of
the syringe is an outward extending flange portion of the syringe
body that is received in the recessed groove when the syringe is
mounted to the dispenser.
15. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein the syringe dispensing end
receiving cavity and the measuring cavity are laterally offset from
one another and the fluid flow path includes a laterally extending
connection portion fluidly connecting the measuring cavity with the
syringe dispensing end receiving cavity.
16. The dispenser of claim The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the
nozzle portion includes a plunger cavity that is laterally offset
from the syringe dispensing end receiving cavity, the plunger
cavity in fluid communication with the fluid flow path, the plunger
cavity axially aligned with the measuring cavity, the tip portion
of the dispenser plunger being positioned within the plunger cavity
in the retracted state.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the plunger includes a tip
portion having an outer peripheral shape and the measuring cavity
has an inner peripheral shape that corresponds to the outer
peripheral shape of the tip portion.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the outer peripheral shape of
the tip portion is cylindrical with a first diameter and the inner
peripheral shape of the measuring cavity is cylindrical with a
second diameter, the first and second diameters being substantially
identical.
19. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein the nozzle portion includes
a plunger cavity in fluid communication with the fluid flow path,
the plunger cavity axially aligned with the measuring cavity, the
tip portion of the dispenser plunger being positioned within the
plunger cavity in the retracted state.
20. A method of dispensing a predetermined amount of material
comprising: providing a prefilled syringe, the prefilled syringe
includes: a syringe body for storing the material; and a syringe
plunger mounted within the syringe body for pressing the material
out of the syringe body through a dispensing end of the syringe,
providing a dispenser comprising: a dispenser body including: a
syringe mounting region configured for receiving the syringe; a
nozzle portion having a syringe dispensing end receiving cavity
configured to mate with the dispensing end of the syringe and an
outlet, the nozzle portion defining a fluid flow path fluidly
communicating the syringe dispensing end receiving cavity with the
outlet, the outlet fluidly communicating the fluid flow path with
the environment external to the nozzle portion, the fluid flow path
including a measuring cavity having a predetermined volume; and a
dispenser plunger carried by the dispenser body having a retracted
state in which the dispenser plunger is retracted from the
measuring cavity such that the outlet is in fluid communication
with the syringe dispensing end receiving cavity and a depressed
state in which the dispenser plunger extends through the measuring
cavity, the dispenser plunger evacuating material within the
measuring cavity as the dispenser plunger transitions from the
retracted state to the depressed state; actuating the syringe
plunger to dispense material from the syringe body and through the
fluid flow path until a portion of the material exits the outlet
and to fill the measuring cavity with the dispenser plunger in the
retracted state; removing the portion of the material that exits
the outlet; and depressing the dispenser plunger to transition the
dispenser plunger from the retracted state to the depressed state
to dispense the material from the measuring cavity.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to the field of prefilled
syringes. The present invention relates specifically to a
dispensing device for dispensing fluid from a prefilled
syringe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prefilled syringes are used in a variety of areas, including for
medical tests, therapeutic uses, and scientific uses. Prefilled
syringes typically have a syringe body or syringe barrel and a
plunger. The plunger includes a plunger head that seals to the
inner surface of the syringe body forming a sealed cavity that
holds a fluid, such as a medical test or therapeutic substance. The
plunger includes a shaft coupled at one end to the plunger head,
and at the other end, the shaft is coupled to a plunger top, sized
to facilitate engagement by a user's finger or thumb. Pushing the
plunger top forces the plunger head toward a dispensing opening
located through the syringe body resulting in the dispensing or
ejection of fluid or material from the syringe body.
The prefilled syringes may be used in many areas. For example,
prefilled syringes may be used to hold allergen test substances.
Typically, each prefilled syringe holds a volume of a single
allergen test substance that may be used for multiple allergy tests
for multiple patients. For example, such allergen test prefilled
syringes may originally hold 5 milliliters of test substance.
During an allergy test, a health care worker typically will
dispense a small volume (e.g., less than 100 microliters) of test
substance from the prefilled syringe into a receiving chamber that
has been attached to the skin of a patient receiving an allergy
test. The receiving chamber holds the allergen test substance in
contact with the patient's skin, and the test area of skin is
monitored for allergic reaction. Because only a small amount of the
test substance is used for a single test, the prefilled syringe is
used for multiple allergy tests for multiple patients.
Unfortunately, it is often very difficult to accurately meter the
amount of fluid or material being dispensed from the dispensing
opening using the plunger of the syringe.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention provides a new and improved
dispenser for use with and dispensing a predetermined volume of
material from a prefilled syringe. More particularly, the syringe
with which the dispenser works has a syringe body for storing the
material and a syringe plunger mounted within the syringe body for
pressing the material out of the syringe body through a dispensing
end of the syringe which will have an outlet or dispensing
opening.
The dispenser includes a dispenser body and a dispenser plunger.
The dispenser body includes a syringe mounting region configured
for receiving the syringe and a nozzle portion through which the
material is dispensed. The nozzle portion has a syringe dispensing
end receiving cavity configured to mate with the dispensing end of
the syringe and an outlet. The nozzle portion defines a fluid flow
path fluidly communicating the syringe dispensing end receiving
cavity with the outlet. The outlet fluidly communicates the fluid
flow path with the environment external to the nozzle portion of
the dispenser. The fluid flow path includes a measuring cavity
having a predetermined volume. The dispenser plunger is carried by
the dispenser body. The dispenser plunger has a retracted state in
which the dispenser plunger is retracted from the measuring cavity
such that the outlet is in fluid communication with the syringe
dispensing end receiving cavity. The dispenser plunger has a
depressed state in which the dispenser plunger extends through the
measuring cavity. The dispenser plunger evacuates material within
the measuring cavity as the dispenser plunger transitions from the
retracted state to the depressed state.
Preferably, the actuation of the dispenser plunger is entirely
independent of the actuation of the syringe plunger and the
actuation of the syringe plunger is entirely independent of the
actuation of the dispenser plunger. Further, it is preferred that
the motion of the plungers is generally along parallel and offset
axes of motion.
In one embodiment, the plunger includes a tip portion having an
outer peripheral shape and the measuring cavity has an inner
peripheral shape that corresponds to the outer peripheral shape of
the tip portion. Preferably, the corresponding shapes substantially
provide a seal therebetween such that movement of the tip portion
through the measuring cavity prevents fluid or material bypass
while evacuating material from the measuring cavity.
In one embodiment, the outer peripheral shape of the tip portion is
cylindrical or otherwise has a circular cross-section with a first
diameter and the inner peripheral shape of the measuring cavity is
cylindrical or otherwise has a circular cross-section with a second
diameter. The first and second diameters being substantially
identical such that a seal is provided therebetween. The second
diameter may be slightly smaller than the first diameter so as to
provide a friction fit therebetween, while being substantially
identical. The second diameter could also be slightly larger and
still be substantially identical. However, it should only be
slightly smaller such that substantially no material remains within
the measuring cavity after the transitioning motion from the
retracted state to depressed state.
In one embodiment, the dispenser plunger includes a head portion
that extends axially along a length of the dispenser plunger
outward beyond a distal end of the dispenser body and is positioned
adjacent the syringe plunger when a syringe is mounted within the
syringe mounting region.
In one embodiment, the dispenser body includes a mounting
arrangement configured to engage a cooperating mounting arrangement
of a syringe when a syringe is mounted within the syringe mounting
region. In a more particular embodiment, the mounting arrangement
of the dispenser body is a recessed groove that receives a
cooperating outward extending flange portion of the syringe
body.
In one embodiment, the syringe dispensing end receiving cavity is
configured to mate with the dispensing end of the syringe body to
form a seal therebetween and prevent fluid bypass therebetween when
a syringe is mounted to the dispenser body.
In one embodiment, the syringe dispensing end receiving cavity and
the measuring cavity are laterally offset from one another and the
fluid flow path includes a laterally extending connection portion
fluidly connecting the measuring cavity with the syringe dispensing
end receiving cavity.
In one embodiment, the nozzle portion includes a plunger cavity in
fluid communication with the fluid flow path. The plunger cavity
axially aligns with the measuring cavity (e.g. along the axis of
motion of the dispenser plunger). The tip portion of the dispenser
plunger is positioned within the plunger cavity in the retracted
state. Preferably, the tip portion and the plunger cavity are sized
and configured to provide a seal therebetween and prevent fluid or
material bypass.
In another embodiment, a system for dispensing a predetermined
volume of material from a prefilled syringe is provided. The system
includes a prefilled syringe and anyone of the dispensers described
above. In a particular embodiment, the syringe includes a syringe
body for storing the material. The syringe also includes a syringe
plunger mounted within the syringe body for pressing the material
out of the syringe body through a dispensing end of the syringe.
The dispenser includes a dispenser body and a dispenser plunger.
The dispenser body includes a syringe mounting region configured
for receiving the syringe and a nozzle portion. The nozzle portion
has a syringe dispensing end receiving cavity configured to mate
with the dispensing end of the syringe and an outlet. The nozzle
portion defines a fluid flow path fluidly communicating the syringe
dispensing end receiving cavity with the outlet. The outlet fluidly
communicates the fluid flow path with the environment external to
the nozzle portion. The fluid flow path includes a measuring cavity
having a predetermined volume. The dispenser plunger is carried by
the dispenser body. The dispenser plunger has a retracted state
relative to the dispenser body in which the dispenser plunger is
retracted from the measuring cavity such that the outlet is in
fluid communication with the syringe dispensing end receiving
cavity. The dispenser plunger has a depressed state relative to the
dispenser body in which the dispenser plunger extends through the
measuring cavity. The dispenser plunger evacuates material within
the measuring cavity as the dispenser plunger transitions from the
retracted state to the depressed state.
In one embodiment, the dispenser body includes a mounting
arrangement configured to engage a cooperating mounting arrangement
of the syringe when the syringe is mounted within the syringe
mounting region to inhibit removal of the syringe from the syringe
mounting region. The cooperating mounting arrangements affix the
two components together. Typically, when the syringe is emptied,
the entire system will be disposed of rather than reusing the
dispenser.
In one embodiment, the mounting arrangement of the dispenser body
is a recessed groove and the mounting arrangement of the syringe is
an outward extending flange portion of the syringe body that is
received in the recessed groove when the syringe is mounted to the
dispenser.
In one embodiment, the syringe dispensing end receiving cavity is
configured to mate with the dispensing end of the syringe body to
form a seal therebetween and prevent fluid bypass therebetween.
A method of dispensing a predetermined amount of material is also
provided. The method includes providing anyone of the various
embodiments of a syringe and dispenser mentioned above. The method
further includes actuating the syringe plunger to dispense material
from the syringe body and through the fluid flow path until a
portion of the material exits the outlet and to fill the measuring
cavity with the dispenser plunger in the retracted state. To
increase accuracy in the method, the portion of excess material
that exits the outlet is preferably is removed prior to depressing
the dispenser plunger. The method also includes depressing the
dispenser plunger to transition the dispenser plunger from the
retracted state to the depressed state to dispense the
predetermined amount of the material from the measuring cavity.
Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will
become more apparent from the following detailed description when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the
specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention
and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles
of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing system according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the dispenser of the
dispensing system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of the syringe of the
dispensing system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective illustration of the dispensing
system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional illustration of the
dispensing system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an assembled cross-sectional illustration of the
dispensing system with the dispenser plunger in a depressed
state;
FIG. 7 is a further exploded cross-sectional illustration of the
dispensing system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an assembled cross-sectional illustration of the
dispenser of FIG. 1 with the dispenser plunger in a retracted
state;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional and exploded illustration of
the nozzle portion of the dispenser body of the dispenser of FIG.
1;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of the nozzle
portion of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with the dispenser plunger in a
retracted state;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of the nozzle
portion of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with the dispenser plunger in a
depressed state;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of the system
of FIG. 1 with the dispenser plunger in a retracted state; and
FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of the system
of FIG. 1 showing material being biased out of the outlet of the
nozzle portion of the dispenser of FIG. 1.
While the invention will be described in connection with certain
preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those
embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring generally to the figures, a dispensing system configured
to precisely dispense a predetermined amount of flowable material,
such as a gel material is illustrated according to an embodiment.
The dispensing system will typically include a dispenser configured
to engage and work with prefilled syringes for dispensing the
predetermined amount of material. The dispenser itself is typically
a device separate from the prefilled syringe and is in the form of
an attachment that attaches to the prefilled syringes and acts a
metering device to provide higher degrees of incremental dispensing
of the fluid contained within the prefilled syringes. A dispenser
itself, independent of a syringe, may be an embodiment of the
invention.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a dispenser 100 configured to precisely
dispense a volume of flowable material, such as a gel provided from
a syringe 102 (see FIG. 3).
The dispenser 100 includes a dispenser body in the form of a
dispenser body 104 that carries a plunger assembly 106 and which is
configured to attach the dispenser to the syringe 102. The
dispenser body 104 defines a mounting region 108, illustrated
generally as a cavity, in which the syringe 102 is mounted during
operation. The dispenser body 104 includes a mounting arrangement,
in the form of mounting groove 110 configured to engage and mate
with a cooperating mounting flange 112 of a syringe body 114 of the
syringe 102. This mating engagement inhibits removal of the syringe
from the mounting region 108. However, alternative embodiments of
the mounting arrangement could be reversed where the dispenser body
includes a projecting flange while the syringe body 114 could
include a groove or recess to provide mating engagement
therebetween.
The syringe 102 is received axially into the mounting region 108
through an open end 116 of the dispenser body 104. A dispensing end
118 is inserted first into the dispenser body 104 when mounting the
syringe 102 within the mounting region 108. When the syringe 102 is
mounted to the dispenser 100, the syringe plunger 120 is permitted
to move freely axially into and out of the syringe body 114
illustrated generically by arrow 122.
With additional reference to FIGS. 4-7, the plunger assembly 106 in
the illustrated embodiment generally includes a dispenser plunger
124 and a biasing member 126, illustrated in the form of a coil
spring. The plunger assembly 106 is mounted in a plunger mounting
channel 128 formed by the dispenser body 104 (see FIGS. 5-7). The
dispenser plunger 124 is configured to slide axially within plunger
mounting channel 128 so as to dispense material from the
dispenser.
The plunger 124 includes a head portion 130 that extends axially
out of the plunger mounting channel 128 and is actuatable by a user
to press the dispenser plunger 124 axially into the plunger
mounting channel 128 against force provided by the biasing member
126 that biases the dispenser plunger 124 axially out of the
plunger mounting channel 128. With principle reference to FIG. 6,
the biasing member 126 is axially compressed between an abutment
surface 132 provided by the dispenser body 104 and another abutment
surface 134 of the dispenser plunger 124 to bias the plunger 124
axially out of the plunger mounting channel 128.
With reference to FIG. 2, the dispenser plunger 124 includes a pair
of guide flanges 136 (one shown) that extend radially outward and
into corresponding guide slots 138 (one shown) formed in the
dispenser body 104 adjacent the plunger mounting channel 128. The
guide flanges 136 limit the axial motion of the dispenser plunger
124 axially within the plunger mounting channel 128 during normal
operation. It is noted that the guide flanges 136 and/or dispenser
body 104 are configured to allow the guide flanges 136 to slide
past the dispenser body 104 by applying larger than normal force to
allow for assembly of the dispenser 100.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, the dispenser plunger 124 and
dispenser body 104 have a cooperating catch arrangement provided by
a radially outward extending catch 140 provided by the dispenser
plunger 124 and a catch slot 142 provided by the dispenser body
104. The catch slot 142 provides a stop 144 that cooperates with a
catch abutment surface 146 to inhibit ejection of the dispensing
plunger 124 from the plunger mounting channel 128 when the
dispenser plunger 124 has been axially pressed into the dispenser
body 104.
However, the dispenser plunger 124 is designed to flex radially
inward, (e.g. toward the syringe mounting region 108) so as to
remove the catch 140 from the catch slot 142 to allow the dispenser
plunger 124 to be more fully ejected from the plunger mounting
channel 128. This second state is illustrated in FIG. 8 with the
dispenser plunger 124 fully ejected. Typically, the user will push
radially inward, illustrated by arrow 150, on the head portion 130
to disengage the stop 144 and catch abutment surface 146 and allow
for ejection.
The guide flanges 136 and guide slots 138 provide a second
cooperating catch arrangement to limit the amount of ejection of
the dispenser plunger 124 when the stop 144 and the catch abutment
surface 146 are disengaged so as to prevent fully ejecting the
dispenser plunger 124 from the dispenser body 124, and particularly
plunger mounting channel 128, during normal operation.
The catch 140 includes a ramped surface 148 that assists in flexing
the dispenser plunger 124 radially inward, illustrated by arrow
150, when the dispenser plunger 124 is pressed axially inward into
the plunger mounting channel 128, illustrated by arrow 152. The
ramped surface 148 will contact and slide against free end 154 of
the dispenser body 104 to bias the head portion 130 of the
dispenser plunger 124 radially inward.
With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the dispenser body 104, in the
illustrated embodiment, is an assembly formed form a plurality of
components assembled into a unitary construction. The dispenser
body 104 includes a nozzle assembly 160 that becomes permanently
attached, typically by welding, and more particularly by ultrasonic
or spin welding, to a main body portion 162. The nozzle assembly
160 includes a nozzle portion 164 and a plug portion 166. The
nozzle portion 164 and plug portion 166 are preferably permanently
attached to one another, typically by welding, and more
particularly by ultrasonic or spin welding. The use of welding
helps avoid introduction of non-compatible materials to the
dispenser 100 that may come in contact with the material that is
dispensed from a particular syringe 102.
The nozzle assembly 160 includes a receiving cavity 168 for
receiving the dispensing end 118 of syringe 102 (see e.g. FIGS. 11
and 12), which, in this embodiment, is provided by the plug portion
166. The receiving cavity 168 is matched to mate with the
dispensing end 118 of syringe 102 so as to provide a seal
therebetween to prevent fluid bypass back into the syringe mounting
region 108 of the dispenser body 104. Preferably, the inner
dimensions of the receiving cavity 168 are equal to or slightly
smaller than the outer corresponding dimensions of the dispensing
end 118 of the syringe body 114 so that a friction fit is provided
therebetween and to provide a seal. Typically, these components
will have a cylindrical or circular cross-section.
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, the nozzle assembly 160 defines
a material flow path 170 through the nozzle portion 164 and the
plug portion 166. The material flow path begins in the receiving
cavity 168 and exits at outlet 172 of the nozzle portion 164.
When the dispenser plunger 124 is in an ejected state or released
state, see e.g. FIG. 8 and FIG. 12, the fluid flow path 170 through
the nozzle assembly 160 is open. In the open state, the dispenser
plunger 124 is retracted from the fluid flow path 170 such that
fluid with in the syringe 102 can be dispensed from the dispenser
100 by actuating the syringe plunger 120. When the dispenser
plunger 124 is in this ejected or released state, the tip portion
174 of the dispenser plunger 124 is retracted into a plunger cavity
176 of the nozzle assembly 160 and particularly of the plug portion
166. The outer diameter of the tip portion 174 and the inner
diameter of the plunger cavity 176 are sized to prevent fluid
bypass back into the plunger mounting channel 128 in this state.
The tip portion 174 may have a tapered end to facilitate sliding of
the dispenser plunger 124. Similarly, the plunger cavity 176 may
have a tapered lead-in section to facilitate insertion of the
dispenser plunger 124 during assembly. Typically, the tip portion
174 will have a circular cross-section.
When the dispenser plunger 124 is in a depressed or locked state,
see e.g. FIGS. 6 and 11, the fluid flow path 170 through the nozzle
assembly 160 is blocked and closed. In the blocked or closed state,
the dispenser plunger 124 extends into the fluid flow path 170 such
that fluid cannot be dispensed from the dispenser 100 when the
syringe plunger 120 is actuated. With reference to FIG. 11, when
the dispenser plunger 124 is in this depressed state, the tip
portion 174 of the dispenser plunger 124 is inserted into a
measuring cavity 180 of the nozzle assembly 160 and particularly of
the nozzle portion 164. The measuring cavity 180 forms part of the
fluid flow path 170. The outer diameter of the tip portion 174 and
the inner diameter of the measuring cavity 180 are sized to prevent
fluid as the tip portion 174 travels axially through the measuring
cavity 180, illustrated by arrow 182 such that any fluid within the
measuring cavity 180 is pushed out of the measuring cavity 180 by
the tip portion 174.
The dispenser plunger and the measuring cavity 180 are sized and
configured relative to one another such that each time the
dispenser plunger 124 passes through the measuring cavity 180 a
precise predetermined amount of fluid is dispensed from the
dispenser 100.
To operate the dispenser 100, a user would first attach the
dispenser 100 to a syringe 102, preferably a prefilled syringe. The
user will engage mounting flange 112 with mounting groove 110 to
secure the syringe 102 within the dispenser 100. In doing so, the
user will also introduce the dispensing end 118 of the syringe 102
into the receiving cavity 168 of the nozzle assembly 160.
The user would then retract or release the dispenser plunger 124,
if not already retracted to the released state illustrated in FIG.
8. This opens the fluid flow path 170 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and
12.
The user would then depress the syringe plunger 120 until fluid
stored within the syringe 102 flows through and fills the fluid
flow path 170 and exits the outlet 172 of the nozzle assembly 160
as illustrated in FIG. 13. At this stage, the measuring cavity 180
of the nozzle assembly 160 is filled with fluid. Typically, the
fluid or material will be in a gel like state such that it will not
simply drip or run out of the dispenser 100. The user will remove
the excess material that is extending out from the distal end 190
of the nozzle portion 164 such that the material is flush with the
distal end 190.
The user will then fully depress the dispenser plunger 124 and
compress biasing member 126 by pressing on head portion 130. At
this time, the catch 140 will insert into the catch slot 142 to
prevent ejection of the dispenser plunger 124 from the plunger
mounting channel 128. As the dispenser plunger 124 is depressed,
the tip portion 174 will enter into and pass through the measuring
cavity 180 dispensing the material therein through outlet 172.
The close fit between the inner peripheral shape of the inner
surface defining the measuring cavity 180 and the outer peripheral
shape of the outer surface of the tip portion 174 provides a good
dispensing action of the material. The fit between tip portion 174
and the measuring cavity 180 also provides a seal preventing
further fluid to be dispensed from the outlet 172 in the event that
the syringe plunger 120 is further depressed.
If a further quantity of material is desired to be dispensed. The
user will release the dispenser plunger 124, and particularly the
cooperating catch arrangement, to eject the dispenser plunger 124
to its released state. Thereafter, the user can again depress the
syringe plunger 120 until another portion of material/fluid is
dispensed from the outlet 172.
Because the dispenser 100 comes in contact with the fluid within
the syringe, the dispenser 100 will typically not be reused. As
such, once the syringe 102 is emptied, the entire dispensing
system, i.e. dispenser 100 and syringe 102, is discarded.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and
patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically
indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its
entirety herein.
The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents
in the context of describing the invention (especially in the
context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both
the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having,"
"including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended
terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless
otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely
intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually
to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise
indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. All
methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language
(e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better
illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the
scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein,
including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the
invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the
foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *
References